n :  a test for carbohydrate (as sugar) in which a reddish violet color is formed by reaction with alpha-naphthol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid - called also Molisch reaction 
 
Molisch, Hans (1856-1937), German botanist. Molisch's extensive studies of plants embraced several disciplines: comparative anatomy, morphology, physiology, and microchemistry. He devised his test for carbohydrate in 1886.
 
 
 
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